Australian Phil Veivers will be Exiles’ coach Brian McClennan’s assistant for the forthcoming International Origin Match against England.

The 48-year-old is a true Rugby League exile himself. He left Queensland for St Helens in 1984 alongside legendary fellow countryman Mal Meninga – and England has been his home ever since.

An outstanding and hugely popular full-back during 12 years at Knowsley Road, Veivers went on to play for Huddersfield during the first two seasons of Super League before hanging up his boots. He cut his coaching teeth as Brian Noble’s assistant at both Bradford Bulls and then Wigan Warriors, before becoming head coach at Salford during a very turbulent period off the field for the City Reds. Ironically, Noble recently succeeded Veivers as Salford’s head coach.

“I’ve been away from the game for a few weeks, so I’m really looking forward to working with Brian and putting one over on England” said Veivers. We’ve named a strong squad, and part of my role will be to keep an eye on the players we’ve already named and those who are keen to break into it. There are plenty of outstanding players who haven’t been named and the door is still open.”

Fellow Australian Brett Hodgson has already been named Exiles captain for the match, which takes at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday June 14.